He hadn’t expected her to turn back. His grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly as he averted his gaze.
Sang Ning blinked, her eyes flickering for a moment before she turned and pushed open the courtyard gate, stepping inside.
After a week of urgent preparations, the final decisive moment had arrived.
Early on Thursday morning, Team Leader Lin led the entire team in a grand procession, heading to Xinghong Trade.
In the conference room, the bidding teams from three companies had already arrived early.
By ten o'clock, Xinghong’s evaluators began filing in, and Pei Songhan was among them today.
He unbuttoned his suit jacket as he took his seat among the evaluators, lifting his gaze to spot Nan Sangning sitting further back. Unlike last time, she was now flipping through documents with a solemn expression, her head bowed.
"Please begin your presentations in order. Once the bidding concludes, the final results will be announced within an hour," said one of Xinghong’s managers.
The competition began, with each team taking turns to present.
The Nan Group’s presentation was delivered by Team Leader Lin himself. Just as Sang Ning had anticipated, Lin Sheng showcased his decades of experience and well-established reputation, while Qifeng highlighted their cutting-edge technical craftsmanship.
The Nan Group, on the other hand, emphasized their competitive pricing and their determination to use this deal as a flagship project for their own brand promotion—effectively conveying that they offered both affordability and reliability.
The initially indifferent Xinghong evaluators gradually grew more intrigued by the Nan Group’s pitch.
"The Nan Group isn’t bad—they’ve shown real sincerity," Manager Wu murmured to Pei Songhan. "I originally thought they were just here to make up the numbers, but they’ve put in a lot of effort."
Pei Songhan’s lips curved slightly. "They’re clever."
Compared to the other two companies, the Nan Group held no advantage in either cutting-edge technology or an established reputation. Yet they had skillfully turned their weaknesses into strengths.
Xinghong didn’t require exceptionally advanced technology for this batch of parts, but they also didn’t want to be taken lightly. Of course, a reasonable price was also a priority.
The Nan Group hoped to secure this deal with Xinghong as their own flagship project, which meant they would inevitably invest more effort and sincerity into delivering it—all while offering a lower price.
Once all three presentations concluded, Xinghong’s evaluators left to deliberate in a private meeting and decide on the final partner.
The three bidding teams remained in the conference room, waiting for the results.
Team Leader Lin rubbed his hands nervously. "I hope we win!"
Wang Qi clasped her hands together. "Heaven help us—I really need this bonus!"
After a moment of contemplation, Sang Ning said, "I think we’ll make it."
"What?!" Team Leader Lin turned to her in shock. "How do you know?"
Sang Ning smiled. "Just a guess."
Since she hadn’t been required to present, she had spent the entire time observing Xinghong’s evaluators. From their subtle expressions, she could tell they were fairly satisfied with the Nan Group.
An hour later, Xinghong’s representatives returned and announced, "After internal discussions, we’ve decided to collaborate with the Nan Group."
The Nan Group’s team erupted in excitement, leaping to their feet.
The other two losing teams quietly packed up their things and left.
Team Leader Lin eagerly stepped forward to shake Manager Wu’s hand. "Thank you for choosing us! The Nan Group will give it our all!"
Manager Wu smiled. "Looking forward to working together. My assistant will bring the contract shortly, and we’ll sign the deal."
"Perfect!"
Pei Songhan pushed the door open and entered. Team Leader Lin hurried over to greet him. "Thank you for your support, Young Master Pei."
Pei Songhan gave a slight nod. "Your proposal was well done."
Team Leader Lin laughed heartily. "Really? The framework of the proposal was mainly Sang Ning’s idea."
He had previously probed Manager Wang for information about Sang Ning. Though he hadn’t gotten any concrete details, he had received enough hints to know her background was formidable—certainly not someone whose credit he could steal.
As he spoke, he waved Sang Ning over. "Xiao Sang, come here."
Pei Songhan’s gaze shifted to Sang Ning, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.
Sang Ning set down the documents in her hands and walked over. "Young Master Pei."
Pei Songhan smiled. "I heard the core idea of this proposal was yours?"
Sang Ning remained modest. "I only suggested an initial thought. It was a team effort, and we’re grateful for your trust in the Nan Group."
Pei Songhan chuckled softly and shook his head. She was always impeccably composed—even more so than him.
Soon, the assistant arrived with the contract, and both parties signed the deal.
Pei Songhan then said, "I’d like to treat everyone to lunch today. Here’s to a successful partnership."
Team Leader Lin was overwhelmed. He hadn’t expected Young Master Pei to personally host a meal—what an honor!
"Thank you, Young Master Pei!"
The group responded in unison.
Pei Songhan’s eyes met Sang Ning’s, and she smiled back.
The lunch was held at Wangjiang Pavilion, an upscale restaurant with an elegant ambiance. About a dozen people gathered around a large round table.
Pei Songhan was seated between Xinghong’s senior executives and the Nan Group’s Manager Wang, who had rushed over at the last minute.
The meal was lively, with glasses clinking and conversation flowing.
Whenever someone toasted him, Pei Songhan would take a sip before setting his glass down. At one point, he glanced across the table and saw Sang Ning meticulously peeling a crab.
Beside her, Wang Qi asked excitedly, "Xiao Sang, how’s the crab?"
Sang Ning’s lips curved, her eyes sparkling with amusement as a faint dimple appeared on her cheek. "Delicious."
"Then I’ll have one too!"
Pei Songhan’s gaze lingered for a moment before he let out a quiet laugh.
Sang Ning’s phone buzzed. She wiped her fingers clean with a napkin and checked the message.
It was from He Siyu: [Did you win the bid?]
Sang Ning replied happily: [We did!]
[Congratulations.]
Sang Ning typed: [Thanks.]
When no further reply came after two minutes, she assumed the conversation was over and was about to put her phone away—until another message arrived.
[Working this Saturday?]
[No.]
With this deal secured, their team no longer had to work overtime. They could finally relax, even reclaiming the weekends lost to recent overtime.
Another three-minute pause.
Sang Ning frowned. Why was he typing slower than her?
She still had crab to finish!
Finally, another message popped up: [Saturday, 6 PM. Riverside Gallery. Celebrating your success.]
Sang Ning blinked. What kind of place was that?
After a brief pause, she searched on her phone.
[Riverside Gallery: An exclusive, reservation-only fine-dining restaurant in Jing City, located by Lanxi Lake. Offers Michelin-starred cuisine and breathtaking sunset views—ideal for romantic occasions.]
